Hatch cover operating means



F. A. ECOFF HATCH COVER OPERATING MEANS June 4, 1935.

Filed Feb. 25, 1951 Tjijl- Wa w n Patented June 4, 1935 UNITED STATES- 2,003,927 HATCH COVER oPERATINGfMEANs Francis A. Ecofi, St. Louis, Mo., assignor to Amerlean Car and Foundry Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application February 25, 1931, Serial No. 518,126

15 Claims.

This invention relates generally to closure fasteners and operators and has for one object the provision of a device of this character which is simple and inexpensive in construction and 5 strong and durable in operation.

Another object of this invention is the pro- "vision of an operating means for closures which will provide a large lever ratio for, operating the closure.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a hatch cover operating device comprising a lever of novel detail formation for opening and closing a cover which leveris so formed that the cover will be retained in closed position by the lever itself without the necessity of supplemental or additional securing means.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a lever for use'with a hinged closure or door, the lever being so formed and arranged relative to the handle element'on the closure that the closure is urged to a fully closed position by said lever and when in closed position the closure element is retained in such position by the lever without the necessity of using other elements such as locks or latches.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompany- 30 ing drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan View showing a portion of the top of a container or other structure having a hatch cover with the device of the present invention applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is a sectional View on the line 2,-2, Fig. 1.

Fig. Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional View on the line 4-4, Fig. 1. 1

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail view, partly in section, showing the lever supporting bracket and the lever associated therewith, the latter being shown in cover opening position, and Fig.6 is a fragmentary detail view, partly in section, showing the bracket and lever with the latter in a position such that it may be removed from thebracket.

3 is a sectional view on the line 33,

The drawing shows this invention as applied tending laterally outwardly from said flanges as illustrated in Fig. 4 thereby providing an unto the roof 2 of a vehicle body such as a refrigerator car or motor truck, with a removable closure element 4 of any preferred or desired construction adapted to close an opening indicated when the lever is rocked on its supporting trunat 5. The showing of the roof is conventional the opening 5.

and the closure element 4 is formed with a plug portion 3 and a cover portion 7, the edges of said cover portion overlapping the frame in which the'plug portion 3 is normally seated. It is not to be understood that the present invention is 'restricted' in its use to the specific details of construction of the closure element as obviously the invention may be used With'closure elements generally. For exampla'the invention is adapted for use with a closure comprising only the plug portion or what may be termed a plug closure, or the invention is adapted for use with a closure element comprising only the cover portion 1. The invention further is adapted for use for securing doors in closed position and for urging the same to open position, for example, refrigerator doors and side and end doors for railway cars. The closure 4 has a strap 8 secured thereto by fasteners 9 and the end portions of said strap extend beyondopposite edge portions of said closure the rear end portion being connected to a hinge pin 6 arranged in a hinge bracket 6' secured to. the roof adjacent This strap is formed of metal and of course possesses a certain degree of resiliency. Its forward end portion is deflected downwardly beyond the forward edge portion IQ of the cover 7 preferably to an arcuate shape to provide a handle portion l2 as illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 5. Downward deflection of the end of said strap as just described provides a bearing surface M the purpose of which will be hereinafter described. The plug is provided with conventional packing 5 for sealing purposes and it is apparent that the plug will be resiliently seated in the opening 5 and will be resilientlyheld invseated position by the strap 8.

The present invention comprises an operating means or lever L for actuating the closure from a partially closed position to a fullyclosed posi tion and from a fully closed position to a partially open position.

.The lever L is supported for pivotal movement on an axis parallel to the free edge I 0 of the door or closure 1 and is formed preferably as 'a casting of substantially channel shape in cross-section with side walls or flanges l8 extending from one end to nearly the opposite end thereof, as best shown'in Fig. 1. The lever is pivoted intermediate its ends on trunnions exobstructed clear space between the said flanges within which the said handle portion can travel nions- The trunnions 32 extend laterally from the deeper portion of the lever as illustrated in Figs. 3, 5 and 6 and the web or bottom wall of the lever is continuous from end to end as illustrated, except that said web is intermitted at Hi to provide a slot, hereinafter referred to, between said trunnions and the end of the lever where the web is continued in the form of a cross bar or actuating member 28 which is adapted to bear on the under side of the handle element l2 to lift the closure, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

While the lever L is of generally channel shape for convenience of production the portion thereof from the trunnions throughout its longer arm could be of any shape in crossjsection. From the line 58 to the cross bar 28 an unobstructed pocket is provided within the lever L which is partially closed by a continuation of the web I?! which extends from the line 58 to the slot l6 before referred to. The web near said pocket zone provides a bearing surface or camming surface 22 adapted to bear on the upperxarcuate face of the handle l2 to force the closure to fully closed position. A shoulder 24 is provided to limit the downward thrust of the free end or longer end of the lever.

The lever L"is pivotally connected to an immovable bracket indicated generally at C and which, in the" instance shown, is a unit comprising an attaching base 26, having a pair of spaced vertical cars 28 provided with integral inwardly facing pivot lugs 30 for supporting the lever (see Fig. 4); the side walls l8 of the lever having curved supporting trunnions 32 on'their outer surfaces which engage over the lugs 38 and partially encircle the latter. The inner surfaces of the ears 28 are provided with curved guide flanges 34 which partially encircle the lugs 38, and these flanges 34' with the lugs 38 define semi-circular annular grooves or recesses within which the trunnions 32 are received and in which they are guided during movement of the lever. The flanges 34 terminate in abutments 36 (see Figs. 3 and 5) with which stops 38 formed on the outer surfaces of the lever walls I8 are adapted to contact when the lever is moved to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2 and in full lines in Fig. 5.

The handle element in its movement to and from closed position of the hatch cover or door, as the case may be, moves in an are which intersects theplane between the pivots which support the lever L. The drawing shows one specific embodiment in which the end portion of the handle element moves in an are which in- 'tersects the axis of rotation of, the lever but this is by way of example as obviously the parts may be'so positioned and relatively so arranged that the movement of the handle element does not specifically intersect the axis of rotation of the lever, such, for example, as slightly shortening the handle element but not to an amount such that the cam surface will not function in a manner such that the lever, of itself, cannot act to retain the closure element or hatch cover against opening movement without the use of supplemental fastenings such, for example, as padlocks or the like. In the example shown clearly in Fig. 2 of the drawing, the cover is restrained against opening by reason of the direct downward force exerted on the handle element, and this condition'se'rves to retain the'lever against accidental displacement.

It is believed that the construction of the device of the present invention will be fully ap parent to those skilled in the art and it is to be understood that the drawing is for illustrative purposes only and various changes in the form and proportions of the device may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It can be seen that the present invention eliminates the use of the usual through pintle type of hinge connection of a lever and bracket which includes a pivot pin extending through the movable member and provides a simple and inexpensive arrangement of parts in which the lever L is supported by means projecting laterally therefrom though not passing therethrough, and an unobstructed space is provided within the enlarged end of the lever from the memer 20 to the shoulder 24 within which can swing the free end of the strap 8 or handle 12. The lever is adapted to be inserted or withdrawn from the bracket whenever desired, but during normal use of the lever it is retained in its position between the ears 28 by means of lugs 48 formed on the ears 28 and arranged intermediate the ends of the guide flanges 34. The trunnions 32 of the lever are provided with recesses 42 to permit insertion of the lever between the ears 28 and removal of the lever from the bracket; it being necessary to position the lever such that the recesses 42 aline with the lugs 49 so that the lever may be inserted into or withdrawn from the bracket.

With the parts assembled as shown in full lines in Fig. 2, the lever L will retain the closure in closed position. To open the closure the lever is swung on its pivot towards the dotted line position of Fig. 2 and as this is done the handle portion l2 of strap 8 will be arranged in the slot l6 of the lever and then upon further swinging of the lever the cross-bar 20 will en- :gage the lower surface of the handle portion [2 and swing the closure to the relatively open position shown in full lines in Fig. and in dotted lines in Fig. 2, whereupon the closure 4 may be completely swung on its hinge 6 to expose the hatch opening 5. To close the opening 5, the element 4 is swung on its'hinge 6 until the handle portion [2 rests on the crossbar 28 as shown indotted lines in Fig. 2 and in full lines in Fig. 5. Then the lever is swung on its pivot and the lower surface 22 of the bottom wall |9.wi1l serve to wedge the closure tightly to seating position. Because of the construction shown and described, it is believed unnecessary to apply further holding means for the closure or auxiliary means for retaining the lever L in closing position, but to prevent unauthorized tampering, means may be provided to prevent the swinging of the lever L, and to that end the ears 28 are provided with alined openings 44 to receive a pin or other locking device, which will underlie and if desired engage the lower edges of the side walls N3 of the lever adjacent the rear ends of the latter which will prevent the release of the lever L from closing position. As can be seen clearly in Figs. 2 and 3, the arrangement of parts is such as to provide a construction in which the elimination of the usual hinge pin permits the positioning of the portion l2 relatively beneath the trunnions 32, as illustrated in Fig. 3, resulting in a positive securing of the closure element in closed position by means of the lever, the latter exerting a constant pressure in a vertical direction on the portion 12.

I The present device comprisesa construction in which the handle portion l2 swings into position in the pocket provided between the flanges or walls I8 of the lever L through the slot l6 as the lever moves from the position of Fig. to the position illustrated in Figs. 2 and 8 wherein the plug 3 is at rest in the hatch opening 5. It is obvious that if the lever L is moved from the position of Figs. 2 and 3 to the positionof Fig. 5 the cross bar 20 will engage the under side of handle l2 and lift the plug'to the position of Fig. 5. It is not to be understood that the present invention is limited to a construction in which the word below as used herein is to be taken literally as meaning in a plane lower than the horizontal plane of the trunnions for the reason that this device is susceptible of use in connection with doors generally, which swing on a vertical axis. It is obvious that the strap 8 may be slightly shortened but not to such an amount that the cam surface will not function in the manner described so as to hold the closure against opening movement. In the example shown clearly in Fig. 2 of the drawing, the coveris restrained against opening byreasonof the; direct downward force exerted on the handle element, and this condition serves to retain the lever against accidental displacement.

The lever L which is shown as pivoted intermediate its ends to provide alined long and short arms is supported in its fixed or rigid bracket C which is preferably spaced a short distance from the contiguous edge of the door or closure cover so as to take advantage of the natural resilience of the handle l2 and the plug packing 5"and secure an effective seal for the container.

What is claimed is:

1. The combination with a hingedly mounted closure element of a lever pivotally mounted adjacent one end thereof and adjacent a free edge of said element for swinging movement about an axis parallel to said free edge, said leverhaving a bottom wall provided with a slot at the pivot end of said lever, said bottom wall at the said pivot end being formed into a camming surface which merges into a shoulder, the camming surface being adapted to engage a closure part when the lever is swung in one direction whereby to force the closure element to fully closed position and the said shoulder being adapted to limit the movement of said lever in said direction, the before mentioned slot defining a. cross-bar at the pivot end of said lever adapted to engage the before mentioned closure part to lift said closure when the lever is swung in the opposite direction.

2. In combination with a hinged door, an operator and fastener therefor comprising a pivotally mounted lever, a handle portion secured to the door, means on the lever engaging the handle portion when the lever is swung in one direction to move the handle portion, a camming surface engaging the handle portion to force the door to closed position when the lever is swung in the opposite direction, and a shoulder on the lever adjacent the camming surface adapted to contact with the handle portion to limit movement of the lever in one direction.

3. A closure operator comprising a lever having long and short lever arms, said lever including side walls and a bottom wall, the latter terminating short of the free end of the short lever arm and having a portion thereof formed to provide a camming surface, and a cross bar connectingthe side-walls at the free end'portion of the short lever arm. A a

4. In combination, a closure, a hinge support near one edge thereof, a rigid bifurcated lever supporting bracket near an opposite edge thereof, a hinge strap extending across and fixed to said closure and pivotally connected with the hinge support, said strap being of a length to extend between spaced parts of said bracket, a rockable lever pivotally supported intermediate its ends on said bracket to provide alined long and short arms, said lever in one position bearing on said strap thereby holding the closure in closed position and when assuming the opposite position causing the closure to partially open.

5. In combination, a hinge bracket, a closure, a hinge strap connected to said bracket and terminating in a handle portion, a rigid bifurcated bracket within which said handlecan project, a rockable lever pivotally supported intermediate its ends within the bifurcation of the bracket, said lever being adapted'in one position to bear on said handle portion insuch a manner as to constantly exert pressure thereagainst to retain the closure in closed position, the cooperation of the bearing portion and cam surface constituting the sole means for retaining the 'closure in closed position, and said lever when assuming the opposite position being so formed as to cooperate with the closure to par-' tially open the latter.

6. In combination with a hinged closure, a

hinge support near one edge thereof, a rigid lever supporting bracket near the opposite edge ends on said rigid bracket to provide alined long and short arms and provided with a surface adapted to bear on said handle portion when in one position to close the closure and when assuming the opposite position to cause the closure to partially open.v

7. In combination a closure, a hinge strap connected therewith and extending. beyondropposite edges thereof, a removable lever rockably mounted on a fixed bracket intermediate its ends on said bracket to provide alined long and short arms and adapted in one position to bear on the outer side of said hinge strap and in another position to bear against an opposite side of said strap to cause a partial opening of the closure.

8. In combination with a Wall having a hing'edly mounted closure element provided with a projecting handle portion, a lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the wall to provide long and short arms, said lever being positioned adjacent the handle portion to engage the latter during the opening and closing operation, said lever having spaced walls and a cam portion, the latter being arranged on the long arm in such a position asto engage the upper surface of said handle portion during the closing operation, and a cross bar on the short arm for engaging the under surface of said handle portion during the opening operation.

9. In combination with a wall having a hingedly mounted closure element provided with a projecting handle portion, a lever pivotally mounted on the wall adjacent the handle portion to engage the latter during the opening handle during the closing operation, and a stop member adjacent the cam for limiting the cam action.

10. In combination with, a wall having a hingedly mounted closure element provided with a projecting handle portion, a lever pivotally mounted on the wall adjacent the handle portion to engage the latter during the opening and closing operation, said lever having, spaced walls and a cam portion, the latter being adapted to engage the upper surface of said handle during the closing operation, a web connecting the cam portions, and a cross bar connecting the extremities of the spaced walls engaging the l under surface of the handle portion during the opening operation.

, 11. In combination with a hinged door, an operator therefor comprising a lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends to provide a long [arm and a short arm respectively, said door havinga handle portion adapted to move in an are for a substantial distance between the lever pivots when the door is moved to and from closed position, and means on the long arm of :the lever for engaging the handle portion to force the door to closed position when the lever is swung in one direction.

' 12. In combination with a hinged door, an operator therefor comprising a lever support, a

lever trunnioned'in the support, a handle portion for the door of a length sufiicient to extend into the lever support, said lever having a long arm provided with a camming surface normal to a plane in which the trunnions lie ii and arranged immediately adjacent the truninto the support, a lever having a long anda short armextending in the same general direction, trunnions by which the lever is pivotally connected to the support, said lever having a eamming surface on the long arm immediately adjacent the pivotal mounting adapted to engage the handle portion at a zone a portion of which is in a vertical plane coincident with the trunnions.

14. In combination with a closure, an operator and fastener comprising a lever support, a handle portion for the closure projecting therefrom and of a length suificient to extend into the support, a lever having a long andv a short arm extending in the same general direction, trunnions by which the lever .is pivotally connected to the support, said lever having a camming surface on the long arm immediately adjacent the pivotal mounting adapted to engage the handle portion at a zone at least a portion. of which is in a vertical plane coincident with the trunnions, and a lifting element on the short arm of the lever adapted to engage the handle portion and move the latter between the trunnions and out of the support.

15. In combination with a hingedly mounted door, a handle element secured to the door and projecting beyond a free edge thereof, alever support arranged adjacent the free edge of the door and adjacent the projecting end of the handle element into which said projected end extends, alever trunnioned. in the support andprovided with a camming surface adapted to engage the projected portion of the handle as the lever is swung in one direction to force the closure to fully closed position, and a'lifting element on the lever adapted to engage the handle element and move the latter out of the lever support to lift said closure as the lever is swung in the opposite direction, said handle portion being of such a length as to move a substantial distance between the trunnions of the lever support during both opening and 

